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CAPTAIN JIM ALBERT

Licensed, Insured & Professional

Voted 2014, 2015, 2016 & 2017 Favorite Boat Captain in Naples

About Captain Jim

Captain Jim Albert

U.S. MERCHANT MARINE

My name is Jim Albert, a U.S. Merchant Marine Captain. I currently hold a 100-ton U.S.C.G. Master Captain’s license and carry a half million dollars of marine liability insurance. I moved to Naples in 2005 to begin my quest to become a “for-hire” boat captain serving private and commercial boat owners, new boating students, renters, dealers and marinas in Southwest Florida. After a half year of preparation working 6 months as 1st Officer & 8 years as a Captain on the M/V Naples Princess, I’ve retired from the Princess and I’m now available to be a personal skipper.

Award – In 2013, I was voted the Star Award winner in the “Best Boat Captain” category by the readers of the Naples Daily Newspaper.

Award – In 2014, 2015, 2016 and 2017, I was voted “Favorite Boat Captain” by the readers of the Naples Daily Newspaper. After five years participating (2013-2017), I decided to stop entering the contest.

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Award – In 2014, I was awarded the Governor’s "Veterans Service Award Medal" by Governor Rick Scott (R) and U.S. Navy veteran.

United States Navy Veteran: During the mid-1970’s, I piloted the U.S. Navy nuclear submarine, U.S.S. Benjamin Franklin (SSBN 640) as a Quartermaster and, in 1979, earned a Bachelor of Science Degree from Russell Sage College in Troy, NY. During the 1970’s & 1980’s, I also trained high school-aged students (U.S. Naval Sea Cadets) in basic seamanship and recruited Naval Sea Cadets into the US Navy; becoming the 4th commanding officer of the U.S.S. Albany Division in Albany, NY and attaining the rank of Lt. Commander.

Maritime Credentials: While working to obtain my USCG Merchant Mariner’s Credential (license), a background check was completed by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security/TSA. In 2008, I was issued the required TWIC credential. I’ve been enrolled in the Maritime Drug Testing Consortium since 2007 where I am selected for random drug & alcohol screening. I am also STCW 95 certified, First Aid & CPR certified and possess a current passport.

Boating Instructor: I provided new boaters a 4-hour orientation and 4-hour advanced courses for the Freedom Boat Clubin Naples. This course is required of all new members before they can drive a boat on their own (inshore) and experienced members who wish to take boats out on the Gulf of Mexico (offshore).

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I also offer to teach the Florida BoatSafe Course that is now required by the Florida Wildlife & Conservation Commission (FWCC) if someone was born after January 1, 1988 and would like to operate a power vessel 10 HP or more. I’ve taught dozens of youngsters and new boaters to the Naples area who are unfamiliar with the waters in Southwest Florida in both the classroom environment and on the water.

New Boater Training: My training for new boaters includes an overview of the parts of a boat, required safety equipment, rules of the road, use of GPS, knowing tides, currents and weather conditions and how to care for a boat. This is followed by on-water instruction where I demonstrate operating the boat, piloting, docking and securing a boat. When ready, you will take over to demonstrate what you were shown.

Captiva, FL - South Seas Island Marina & Tween Waters Resort

Useppa Island, FL - Bocilla Marina

Boca Grande, FL - Boca Grande Marina

Sarasota, FL - Marina Jack

Wedding Officiant: As a Florida Notary Public and an ordained Christian Minister, I’ve performed nearly a hundred weddings on land and at sea; both civil and spiritual ceremonies. Services include helping you write your vows, attending a rehearsal (if necessary), meeting ahead of time go get to know the couple and helping coordinate the event with the sound company and photographer.

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Boating in Southwest Florida

Private Piloting – Your Boat (or) a Rental Boat!​

Let’s say you own a boat or yacht but don’t want to deal with sitting behind the helm while your family and friends enjoy a fun day in the sun! You’d like a cocktail or a beer or two but know that marine law enforcement officers are keeping an eye out for unsafe boaters…. just relax and leave the driving to me!

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Let’s say you’d like to rent a deck boat or pontoon boat but know nothing about the shallow water on the Gordon River and prefer not to go aground or damage the boat on an oyster bed…. just relax and leave the driving to me!

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ALL the local rental operators allow me to pilot their rental pontoons and deck boats for you! All rental marinas prefer a licensed and insured captain to drive for their customers. Just call me before you make your reservation. If I’m available, I’ll be happy to take you out. Then, just relax and leave the driving to me!

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Whether you want to take your family and friends out on the water for a leisurely sightseeing cruise around Naples Bay; spend a few hours on an island beach shelling or swimming; take a ride down the inland waterway to Marco Island for lunch at CJ’s on the Bay or Mango’s Restaurant; take a day-long cruise up the coast to Ft. Myers Beach, Sanibel Island, Captiva Island or spend the day cruising to Cabbage Key or Boca Grande…. just relax and leave the driving to me!

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Does your boat have at least 2 engines? Let's go to the Keys for a couple of days, a weekend or even longer!

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Boating Lessons (with your boat or a rental boat)!

You may have just delivered your boat to SW Florida or purchased a new or used boat. You may want to try renting a boat to see if you like boating and would like a captain to show you the at-risk areas to watch out for at low tide (i.e., shoals, sandbars, oyster beds, etc.) and/or to teach you safe boating operations and navigational skills or, you just want to learn how to pilot the waters in and around the area.

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Private Sightseeing Tours, Lunch & Sunset Charters!

Naples Boat Charters offers private, hourly sightseeing and sunset charters for up to SIX people over age 6 aboard the M/V Maritime Lady IV in Naples Bay. Lunch trips to Marco Island are also very popular charters. Call 239-593-7475 today or visit www.naplesboatcharters.com for Services and Rates.

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Marriage Officiant!

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As a Florida Notary and an ordained Christian Minister, you can have your (civil or spiritual) wedding performed on the beach or at sea; on your boat or a large yacht like the Naples Princess; on an island or at a local resort. I can assist you with writing your own vows to make your day as special as possible or, I will perform a traditional Baptist, Episcopalian, Evangelical, Lutheran, Methodist, Presbyterian or Reformed Christian ceremony. I can perform your wedding ceremony dressed in my U.S. Merchant Marine service dress uniform (whites or blues), formal dinner dress uniform (whites or blues), Chaplain’s uniform with clerical collar, a business suit or in casual wear.